This year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) began in Geneva on Monday afternoon, Taipei Time. The WHA is the decision making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
A Taiwan delegation, led by Health Minister Lin Tzou-yien, is in Geneva to attend the event as an observer under the name “Chinese Taipei.”
Taiwan’s participation in this year’s event has not been as smooth as in the past. That’s because the letter of invitation from WHO began by “recalling” the spirit of the “one China” principle. It is generally believed that the letter was a warning to newly inaugurated President Tsai Ing-wen, who is considered to be more wary of China than her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou.
Lin said the delegation has no plans to meet with the Chinese delegation, although exchanging pleasantries at the venue is natural.
When asked about possible interaction with Lin, the Chinese representative, Li Bin, declined to comment. Li is the head of China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission.